The Boneman Curse…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
I thought it was a myth, an urban legend. No, it’s real, my friends. If you want to win, don’t have me cover your playoff game right now.
With the zone strategy, we’ve basically been picking teams from our zones to cover for the playoffs and that’s led to bad news for Edmond and private school clubs when they see me in the parking lot.
I’ve driven a long ways in back-to-back weeks to basically write “team wrapup” stories.
First was Edmond North and the 90-mile trek to Lawton where the Wolverines wore down the Huskies in the second half of a 34-16 win.
But Friday takes the cake. Making my first trip to Sallisaw and driving 180 miles (or six hours roundtrip) to see Bishop McGuinness get off to a bad start and Sallisaw earn a huge 20-14 victory.
Who’s next on my hit list: Heritage Hall. Yep, I’m making the 140-mile trip to Pawhuska on Friday for that one. Beware, Charger fans, the Boneman is coming.
Lawton winning wasn’t a shock. Sallisaw fought for that one and definitely deserved it even though I LOCKed the Irish last week. But I tell ya, starting to wonder if this curse thing is legit. And for those wondering, headed to Douglass and Weatherford on Saturday at Yukon.
SMQ: Irish vs. Sallisaw…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
From talking to Matt Oberste following the game, the Collinsville last-second victory was almost as instrumental in beating Bishop McGuinness as anything else.
Sallisaw was battle-tested in a tough district and Oberste was hungry. Well, the whole team was hungry, but especially Oberste because of his late-season injury.
Sallisaw 20, Bishop McGuinness 14 – Final
The Black Diamonds got off to a fantastic start. Jeremy Davenport didn’t end up with that many yards, but he did find the end zone twice.
As much as I was impressed with Oberste (and I was), nobody impressed me more than Trey Wiley. Oberste is so good because he can just throw it up to Wiley, and Wiley will make a play.
Wiley had seven receptions for 102 yards and set the single-season school record in the process for yards in a single season. Wiley has the height (6-3), but he’s not very big (listed at 175). I tend to not care about that at all. If you pass the Boneman’s eye test, that’s good enough for me.
It was basically Wiley on one side against LaRone Richardson on the other. Wow. A huge game by the Irish junior RB. He was dominant. I had seen him against Weatherford where the Eagles just keyed in on him the entire game, so it was good to see just what Richardson is all about.
After looking like a track meet, it really settled down into a defensive struggle. The Irish made great second-half adjustments after being down 20-7. Sallisaw never gave Camden Tharp any time at all during the game to find an open receiver.
The big run by Oberste clinched the game or else we might have have seen another dramatic finish like last year’s battle.
Sallisaw takes on Star Spencer on Saturday at Sapulpa. Fellow chum Ryan Aber will be there.
Here’s a link to Saturday’s story on the game.
It was a weird season for McGuinness. In the early part, I was thinking it was going to be a 7-3, 6-4 season. But after stellar showings in all the top games, viewed them as favorites.
Injuries definitely hurt this team. The defense is going to take a big hit, but the offense should be even more explosive this next season.
The Irish finish 9-3 with a one-point loss at Bishop Kelley and Weatherford to go with the six-point loss Friday night.
Coach Kenny Young got the most out of his talent this season and this may have been his best coaching job yet. The talent wasn’t supposed to be there, but the Irish made it work.
Bishop McGuinness vs. Sallisaw Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Bishop McGuinness (9-2) vs. Sallisaw (10-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Sallisaw (I’ll be there)
McGuinness (9-2)
Why the Irish can win: Because like LaRone Richardson said during the week, McGuinness is loaded with players who can make big-time plays on each side of the ball. A healthy Richardson is huge, but so is the type of outings the Irish can get from Camden Tharp and Kyle Ahmad. And teams haven’t had much success penetrating this defense all season.
Irish key stats:
Passing: Tharp 52-90, 704 yds, 5 TDs, 5 INTs
Rushing: Tharp 758 yds, 6 TDs; Richardson 561 yds, 12 TDs; Will Blaik 483 yds, 3 TDs
Receiving: Ahmad 24 rec., 493 yds, 5 TDs
Defense: Jameel Whitney 112 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INTs; Jay Lester 109 tkls, 1 INT; Dakota Leftwich 4 sacks; Ahmad 5 INTs; Richardson 4 INTs
Quote:
Their quarterback is good. I mean real good. He’s going to be the biggest challenge we have. It’s not going to be easy.” – Richardson
Sallisaw (10-1)
Why the Black Diamonds can win: Because they’ve already fought through the playoff intensity in a 31-28 win against Collinsville. They’re ready for what it’s going to take in this one. And of course, as long as Matt Oberste is healthy, there is no counting out this team.
Sallisaw key stats:
Passing: Oberste 115-203, 1,758 yards, 16 TDs, 9 INTs
Rushing: Oberste 947 yds, 12 TDs; Jeremy Davenport 880 yds, 15 TDs
Receiving: Trey Wiley 66 rec., 788 yds, 6 TDs; Chase Hunt 16 rec., 231 yds, 2 TDs
Defense: Jake Fitzsimmons, 129 tackles, 7 sacks; Dakota Petree 75 tkls, 5 sacks, 2 INTs; Hayden Spencer 14 sacks; Trevor Fitzsimmons 13 sacks; Phillip Leffler 6 INTs.
Key matchup: Irish running game vs. Sallisaw front seven. Everything McGuinness does offensively is predicated off a successful running game. While Tharp has made strides all year as a passer, McGuinness does not want the game to be in his hands (at least throwing). Give it to Richardson and Jameel Whitney and run that clock out. Sallisaw gives up 127 yards per game on the ground. It’s going to have to do better than that.
Boneman’s Last Word: McGuinness has been cruisin’ since the big win at Douglass in Week 7. This game will bring ‘em back to some of those early battles. If the Irish respond well in the first quarter, think they won’t have any issues. Sallisaw is definitely ready, especially after last year. One big hit on Oberste might change things, you never know.
The pick: McGuinness 17, Sallisaw 12. Irish get up early before Oberste tries to lead the charge. Follow me on Twitter @BPrzybylo for all the updates.
Ed Memorial vs. Jenks Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Memorial (8-3) vs. Jenks (11-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Hunter-Dwelley Stadium, Jenks
Memorial (8-3)
Why the Bulldogs can win: Well, it won’t be easy, let’s go ahead and say that first. Their defense has been crazy-good in the last seven games. People can combat that with “look at the competition.” Take out Mustang and Edmond North, and the seven-game winning streak doesn’t really jump out at ya. But 24 points in seven games is something any team should be proud of.
Memorial key stats:
Passing: Kameron Doolittle 45-79, 533 yards, 5 TDs, 5 INTs; Blake Umberham 42-87, 449 yds, 3 TDs, 8 INTs
Rushing: Doolittle 906 yds, 6 TDs; Cale Olbert 646 yds, 6 TDs; D’Juan Brooks 402 yds, TD
Receiving: Jacob Stivers 19 rec., 229 yds, 2 TDs; Nelson Medeiros 11 rec., 174 yds, TD
Defense (through 10 games): Adrian Shoecraft 97 tackles, 2 sacks, INT; Jordan Marczewski 79 tkls, sack, INT; Medeiros 23 tkls, 3 INTs
Quotes:
We’re coming in at an all-time high. We feel like we belong on the field with these guys. This will be the toughest challenge, but we’re ready for it.’ – senior Nelson Medeiros
When I think of Jenks, I think of champions. That’s where we want to be. These are the type of of games where you can make a name for the program.” – junior Kameron Doolittle
Jenks (11-0)
Why the Trojans can win: Why not? With Sawyer Kollmorgen and Zack Langer leading the way and a huge offensive line, paced by Bob Graham and Jake Alexander, they’re as close to unstoppable as a team can be. And it’s not like Jenks hasn’t been tested. With wins over Tulsa Union, Broken Arrow and Bartlesville on the resume, that’s simply not true. And the distractions haven’t stopped them once on the field.
Jenks key stats:
Passing: Kollmorgen 128-187, 2,012 yards, 20 TDs, 5 INTs
Rushing: Zack Langer 1,700 yards, 31 TDs
Receiving: Jacob Bertelli 26 rec., 594 yds, 6 TDs; Brandon Kitchens 42 rec., 583 yds, 8 TDs
Defense (could not find reliable stats)
Key matchup: Memorial defense vs. Jenks offense. There is no doubt in my mind Memorial’s offense is going to struggle this week. Getting points of any kind will be a tough chore. But what if Memorial’s defense can shut down Jenks? All the sudden this game gets real interesting real fast.
Boneman’s Last Word: I’ma two minds of this game. One, Memorial just absolutely gets steamrolled early and never bounces back. Never been here before and it shows. The other, well, I see a tight game with not a lot of points either way, but Jenks just being too much in the end. Memorial’s defense will have to play even better than it did vs. Edmond North to win this one. And that was a legendary defensive outing in Week 9.
The pick: Jenks 21, Memorial 3. I don’t think Jenks will have the ball that many times, so it won’t score as much. Love the toughness of the Bulldogs, but it ends here.
Lindsay vs. Heritage Hall Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Lindsay (7-4) vs. Heritage Hall (7-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pop Murray Memorial Field
Lindsay (7-4)
Why the Leopards can win: Because after an 0-3 start (against three 3A playoff teams), Lindsay has been rollin’ right along. And going against a team I thought might overpower them, the Leopards took care of Sulphur 20-8 last week. Confidence means so much this time of year.
Lindsay’s key stats:
Passing: Scott Hacker 142-265, 1,821 yards, 15 TDs, 18 INTs
Rushing: Stephon Bradley 448 yds, 5 TDs
Receiving: Carson Tate 52 rec., 647 yds, 6 TDs; Jake Bowen 24 rec., 377 yds, 3 TDs
Defense: Tate 98 tackles, 4 INTs; John Hollman 90 tkls, 2 sacks; John Pinnick 78 tkls, 4 sacks; Bradley, 3 INTs
Heritage (7-4)
Why the Chargers can win: Because these last two weeks have been crucial in developing a balance with the offense. Now that it’s almost there, Heritage is that much more dangerous. The defense, as I’ve said all season, has never ever been the issue with this team.
Heritage key stats:
Passing: Cooper Cloud 35-55, 456 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs; Sterling Shepard 40-78, 545 yds, TD, 3 INTs
Rushing: Barry Sanders 1,389 yds, 18 TDs; Shepard 206 yds, 3 TDs
Receiving: Cale Courtney 24 rec., 388 yds; Sanders 18 rec., 274 yds, 4 TDs
Defense: Marc Robinson 120 tackles, 6 sacks, INT; Logan McGrath 113 tkls, 10 sacks, INT; Travis Harrison 79 tkls, 2 sacks, INT; Sanders 5 INTs
Quote:
They like to spread the ball around, and they have a real good offensive line that allows them to do a lot of things.” – coach Andy Bogert
Key matchup: Heritage passing game vs. Lindsay defense. Cooper Cloud is doing a great job of making me look stupid but consistency is needed this time of the season. If he can keep showing the poise that he’s been showing, Heritage should have no issues here.
Boneman’s Last Word: Unless Heritage self-destructs here, I don’t see a big challenge from Lindsay. The Chargers should have too many weapons for the Leopards. I’m looking for Tanner France to show up in a big way as seniors really start to understand what these games mean.
The pick: Heritage 24, Lindsay 6. Until someone proves they can score on the Chargers, not a lot of points are going to be needed for Heritage.
John Marshall vs. Davis Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
John Marshall (9-2) vs. Davis (11-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Davis
John Marshall (9-2)
Why the Bears can win: Because since the win at Heritage Hall, almost feels as though the Bears realize they deserve to be on this stage. They’ve been dominant the last three weeks, and this is exactly when you want to play your best football. While Brendon Jordan has anchored the offense, Ken Berry and the defense take a backseat to absolutely nobody.
(Stats only updated through Week 9)
Quote:
We’re a part of something special right now. The whole school is excited, everyone is excited about John Marshall football again. We want to keep it going,” – senior Derrick Allen
Davis (11-0)
Why the Wolves can win: Because they stick to what they know. With the whole state, nation going ga-ga over the spread offense, Davis still employs the wishbone. And why not with the success they have? Davis is averaging more than 40 points per game and giving up less than 10 per contest.
(Could not find any Davis stats)
Key matchup: Davis running game vs. John Marshall front seven. Kinda ‘duh’ on this one. If Davis can’t run the ball, Jody Weber’s club will be in trouble. The Bears are a tough, stout group that has only allowed more than 20 points one time (against Kingfisher).
Boneman’s Last Word: I picked Davis to win the state title, so I won’t stray from that. I don’t see many points being scored in this game at all. I’m not sure how JMarshall is going to put up any numbers on this defense. Both teams know how physical and tough this game is going to be. No surprises here.
The pick: Davis 13, John Marshall 7. JMarshall’s dramatic turnaround season comes to an end while Davis keeps marching on.
Roller earns huge win…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Former Oklahoma State wrestler Shane Roller scored a third-round submission victory at the World Extreme Cagefighting event in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
Down early, Roller worked himself back into the fight before making Danny Castillo tap out to a rear-naked choke in the third round.
It is the second consecutive win for Roller, who is now 7-2. Roller also earned a $10,000 bonus for “Submission of the Night.”
The victory has put Roller in line for a potential WEC lightweight championship bout in the future.
***
I give Roller a lot of credit, both in this fight and his career. I had all but counted him out once he was 5-2, but he’s made some real strides in the last year.
Watching this fight late late Wednesday, thought Castillo was going to win. But Roller stuck with it and absorbed the early blows.
Now that Roller has won, it’ll be interesting to see if former OSU wrestler Jake Rosholt can earn a win at UFC 106 on Saturday to keep the good times rollin’ for the Team Takedown members.
***
The story from WEC 44, of course, was the dismantling of Mike Brown by Jose Aldo. Wow, what a showing. Never thought it would happen like that.
Aldo was just too strong all night for Brown. Too slick, too. Impressive display.
Private schools: Playoff jabs, Pt. II…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Lindsay (7-4) vs. Heritage Hall (7-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pop Murray Memorial Field
The wait is absolutely killing sophomore Sterling Shepard right now. Coach Andy Bogert told me Shepard feels fine, but everybody feels fine until they get hit again.
I don’t know, what’s happened with the Philadelphia Eagles’ star RB Brian Westbrook has me a little leery of Shepard coming back too soon.
Lindsay last year was sparked by Tim Hamilton and Jordan Lukens as one of the most potent QB-WR combos in the state. Bogert said the Leopards will once again attempt to throw it all around the field. One thing Scott Hacker does is make as many mistakes as big plays. He has 15 TDs and 18 INTs.
Bishop McGuinness (9-2) vs. Sallisaw (10-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Sallisaw (I’ll be there)
Talking with McGuinness players, they really see Matt Oberste as the main obstacle to advancement. While I agree Oberste is a beast, the Black Diamonds have some other weapons.
I’m in every Saturday morning and Sallisaw is one of the more consistent teams to always call in with some Friday Night Heroes.
With that being said, Jeremy Davenport is going to be just as crucial for Sallisaw. Davenport has rushed for just under 900 yards and 15 touchdowns. And Trey Wiley is one of the better WRs and had a big game last week.
And here is a short video with myself and Ryan Aber breaking it all down.
Irish vs. Sallisaw (Last Year Rewind)…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Bishop McGuinness (9-2) vs. Sallisaw (10-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Sallisaw (I’ll be there)
If this year’s game is half as good as last year’s second-round game between McGuinness and Sallisaw where the Irish won on a big TD reception by Gabe Ikard, I will be a content Boneman. Here’s to hoping I don’t get lost, but I probably will.
Blanchard: Berryhill is AT Blanchard…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
We’ve had fun building up Blanchard as the ultimate underdog after beating Madill. But we went a little too far in Thursday’s paper. Blanchard is not at Berryhill on Friday.
Though it would make for a great story about Blanchard going on the road in back-to-back weeks, Berryhill is coming to the Lion’s Den (I’m sure that’s not what it’s called but it sounds cool). So Berryhill is at Blanchard, we apologize for the mishap.
I trust in Blanchard’s toughness, just think this team has the right stuff. I think the Lions move on to face Clinton yet again in the 3A semifinals.
Once again, Berryhill is at Blanchard on Friday.
